The Germans from Russia spread over much of Canada and the USA west of the Mississippi river. They settled mainly in the prairies in Canada and the plains of the USA. From the beginning in GRHS, it was recognized that such a far flung collection of people would have trouble meeting frequently, so the Chapter concept was born to provide GRHS members the ability to gather regularly with other GRHS members in their area to celebrate their common heritage and learn about their ancestors.
As the Internet developed and GRHS membership became geographically more spread out, its members began gathering in virtual groups bound together by an interest in a common region where their ancestors lived in Russia. These groups initially worked as autonomous groups of similarly interested people within GRHS. In 2004 RIGs were officially recognized as a new type of Chapter by the GRHS Board of Directors and the first RIG Chapters were chartered.
Because of their geographical diversity, RIGs usually only meet once a year during the GRHS convention but the activities of each RIG continues all year through listservs (discussion groups), web pages and participation in the GRHS Clearing House and Village Research projects.
When you join GRHS, please consider joining a local Chapter and/or a RIG.
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